Heisman watch: Is it Mariota's trophy to lose?

RGJ sportswriter Dan Hinxman is a Heisman Trophy voter. Here are his top five after week 10, with last week’s ranking in parentheses (Dropped out: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin):

5. Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor (NR): I’ve shied away from Petty because of the Bears’ system and schedule, but it’s hard to ignore him anymore. The junior has an 18-to-1 TD-to-pick ratio, and he’s on pace to set NCAA records in yards per attempt and completion.

4. A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama (5): The Crimson Tide had a bye this week and hosts No. 13 LSU on Saturday. In its last six games, Alabama has outscored its opponents 246-26.

3. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M (3): Manziel inched closer to the top two candidates after having a stellar day against a bad UTEP team in a 57-7 victory. He went 16-for-24 for 273 yards and four TDs and also had 67 rushing yards and two more TDs.

2. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State (2): Winston had thrown just four interceptions coming into the Noles’ game against Miami (Fla.) and threw two more in a 41-14 win, although at least one appeared to be on the receiver. Still, he had a solid game.

1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon (1): Mariota and the Ducks had the week off, and the timing of the bye couldn’t have been better. It came after facing No. 12 UCLA (a 42-14 victory) and ahead of Oregon’s game at No. 5 Stanford on Saturday.

About this blog

Longtime RGJ Media reporter Dan Hinxman is the authority on Wolf Pack athletics, bringing you the day-to-day coverage of Nevada’s sports teams. Dan has covered almost everything the Northern Nevada sports scene has to offer and will use his knowledge to bring you authoritative and engaging Wolf Pack content. Follow him on Twitter at @DanHinxmanRGJ.